LOS ANGELES — County officials have identified a man who was killed early Monday morning after being struck by a pickup truck while crossing a downtown Los Angeles street. The fatal crash occurred during the overnight hours in a busy area of the city, underscoring ongoing concerns about pedestrian safety, particularly for individuals with limited mobility.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victim as Curtis Hosea, a man. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the collision happened around 2 a.m. Monday at the intersection of Hill Street and Fifth Street, an area surrounded by businesses, offices, and transit routes that remain active even late at night.
Police said Hosea was crossing Hill Street in a wheelchair when he was struck by a northbound Ford F-150 pickup truck. Officers and emergency responders were dispatched to the scene shortly after the crash was reported. Despite life-saving efforts, Hosea was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of his injuries, authorities confirmed.
An LAPD spokesperson said the driver of the pickup truck remained at the scene following the collision and cooperated fully with investigators. The driver’s identity has not been released, and police have not announced whether speed, impairment, or road conditions may have contributed to the crash. No arrests have been made as of Tuesday.
Authorities noted that Hosea was believed to have been experiencing homelessness at the time of his death. Advocacy groups have long pointed out that people without stable housing often face higher risks of traffic-related injuries, as they may travel on foot or in wheelchairs during late-night hours and in areas lacking safe crossings or adequate lighting.
The intersection of Hill and Fifth streets was temporarily affected as officers secured the area and conducted their investigation. Traffic was partially restricted while evidence was documented and the scene was cleared. Downtown Los Angeles has seen multiple pedestrian-involved crashes in recent years, raising renewed calls for improved safety measures.
The investigation into the crash remains ongoing. Police are asking drivers to stay alert, especially during overnight hours when visibility may be reduced and vulnerable pedestrians may be present. Hosea’s death serves as a somber reminder of the dangers faced by those navigating city streets and the importance of caution and awareness behind the wheel.
